Amilzide

Uses of Amilzide

Precautions and Warnings

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergy: Some people who are allergic to sulfa antibiotics or certain diabetes medications also experience allergic reactions to hydrochlorothiazide. Before you take amiloride – hydrochlorothiazide, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially antibiotics. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.

Breathing: Very rarely, amiloride – hydrochlorothiazide can cause sudden and severe difficulty breathing, caused by fluid build-up in the lungs. If you experience problems breathing, seek immediate medical attention and let your medical team know that you are taking this medication.

Diabetes: Amiloride can affect kidney function, resulting in very high levels of potassium in the blood. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause a loss of blood sugar control. If you have diabetes, your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking this medication, as it may affect blood sugar control. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Amiloride – hydrochlorothiazide may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by this medication.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: If you are taking amiloride – hydrochlorothiazide to treat symptoms of liver disease, it may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium in the blood to change while taking this medication. Symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the levels of these electrolytes in your blood while you are taking this medication.

Gout and kidney stones: Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the level of uric acid in the body, resulting in symptoms of gout or kidney stone formation. If you develop painful, warm, and swollen joints or difficulty with urination, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you have a history of gout or kidney stones, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

High blood potassium: High blood potassium has been observed in some people who take amiloride either alone or with other diuretics (water pills). This happens mostly in seniors, in people with diabetes, and in people with liver or kidney disease.

Sensitivity to sunlight: This medication may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, while you are taking this medication and for 7 days after completing treatment. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or greater. If you notice any unusual skin rash or peeling, contact your doctor immediately.

Skin cancer: Recent reviews have connected long-term use of hydrochlorothiazide with an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus) may find that taking amiloride – hydrochlorothiazide causes the symptoms of SLE to flare up. If you have a history of SLE, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Vision changes: Hydrochlorothiazide occasionally causes vision changes including increased eye pressure (glaucoma) and myopia (nearsightedness). If you experience any eye symptoms, such as pain or change in vision, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether amiloride passes into breast milk, but hydrochlorothiazide does. If you are breast-feeding and taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children. This medication is not recommended for children.

Dosage

The typical dosage is one tablet taken once daily, preferably in the morning to avoid nighttime urination. However, the exact dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual health conditions and response to treatment.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Muscle cramps or weakness

Serious Side Effects:

• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
• Muscle weakness,
• Irregular heartbeat,
• Fatigue